9. And now as concerning the matter, which Achior did speak in your council, we have heard his words: for the men of Bethulia saved him, and he declared to them all that he had spoken before you.
10. Wherefore, O lord and master, neglect not his word; but lay it up in your heart, for it is true: for our race shall not be punished, neither shall the sword prevail against them, except they sin against their God.
11. And now, that my lord be not defeated and frustrate of his purpose, and that death may fall upon them, their sin has overtaken them, wherewith they shall provoke their God to anger, whenever they shall do wickedness.
12. Since their food failed them, and all their water was scant, they took counsel to lay hands upon their cattle, and determined to consume all those things, which God charged them by his laws that they should not eat:
13. and they are resolved to spend the first fruits of the corn, and the tenths of the wine and the oil, which they had sanctified, and reserved for the priests that stand before the face of our God in Jerusalem; the which things it is not fitting for any of the people so much as to touch with their hands.
14. And they have sent some to Jerusalem, because they also that dwell there have done this thing, to bring them a licence from the senate.
15. And it shall be, when one shall bring them word, and they shall do it, they shall be given you to be destroyed the same day.